Why the new structure for Canberra

The 1967 Y-Plan which has remained as the key strategic plan until now,
provided for Canberra to grow through the creation of separate districts
in the form of a ‘Y’ (Figure 1). The
Canberra Spatial Plan departs from the Y-Plan in key areas by seeking to provide a more sustainable
and compact city form. However, it does not resile from the multicentred
model of the Y-Plan, nor ‘undo’ it.

FIGURE 1

The 1967 Y-Plan

In developing The Canberra Spatial Plan, consideration was given to
areas that were capable of urban development within the ACT (Map
3 – Urban
Capable Land). These areas were identified through examination of factors
that may constrain, or potentially limit, the location of future urban
development, including social, physical and environmental constraints.
Generally these are areas currently undeveloped for urban purposes but
excluding conservation areas, river corridors, habitats for endangered
species and areas of steeply sloping land (20% or more). Sustainability
principles were applied to determine suitability of this land for urban
settlement (Map 4 – Urban Suitable Land). Key issues included maximising
access to and use of existing services and facilities and infrastructure,
minimising the need for new transport links and travel times, maintaining
the sense of place of the city, protecting biodiversity, ensuring fiscal
responsibility for the Territory and supporting employment opportunities.